About the authors

Darren Peacock

Head of Marketing and Intermediaries

I started at Avis in June 2007 and to say the time has gone quickly is an understatement. Our business is very fast moving with changes on a daily basis from new fleet, locations through to new products in to the market.

I have spent my whole career in the travel industry in a number of different companies including my last role at United Airlines.

I hope to be able to help customers on the blog with questions about Avis and to bring some of my previous travel experience and passion.

Outside of Avis I love travelling, exploring new places and visiting old favourites including Barcelona and Chicago.

Jonathan Bowman

Ecommerce Marketing Manager

I’ve worked in the travel and leisure industry for most of my career, but only joined Avis in the last year. For me blogging is not only a fantastic way for Avis to share our passion for travel and car hire, but also for readers to express their opinions too.

In this business it helps if you love to travel… and I definitely do! Whether it’s sunbathing in Jamaica, shark diving in Cape Town or drinking coffee in Paris, I’m always looking for that next destination to enjoy.

When I’m not at work my time is focussed on my wife and baby daughter. Although I try and make time to watch a little football too!

What car would you be and why?!
I’d be a MG MGB Convertible – traditional, British and loves to cruise around on a sunny day.

Joana Rourke

Marketing Executive

As a recent employee and with a passion for cars it was a pleasure to join the Marketing team. Over a space of 5 months, the knowledge gained regarding the world of car rental is extraordinary. Being a part of the blogging team gives me a great opportunity to share this and experienced gained.

I have a background in customer services in the retail industry and graduated from Bournemouth University in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Aided Product Design. Going from 3D modelling to marketing was quite a change but has given me the chance to use my skills in customer perception and problem solving.

When I’m not working I enjoy going to the gym, reading and with being half Scottish and half Portuguese I am currently attending an evening class to learn Portuguese! *clears throat* Onde está a estação de aluguer de automóveis?

What car would you be and why?!
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in dark blue with the two white racing stripes. It is like a pair of good stilettos, it’ll never go out of fashion.

Kate Winthrop

Social Media Executive

I’ve been at Avis for just over two months now, having spent 3 years working in an agency. I love all the change that has come with joining Avis and I love working here!

As you can probably imagine, I love Social Media and in my spare time run my own fashion blog. I consider myself a digital hoarder and I love finding stuff that gives you an insight into a whole new world (my current favourite being this twitter account @Cmdr_Hadfield – which belongs to an astronaut who tweets as he goes about his business in space – lots of cool pictures!)

What car would you be and why?!
I’ve been told I’d be a Fiat 500, which I’m assured is because they’re sweet and little, and not because they’re difficult to get along with.

Ben Stephenson

Echannel Manager

I joined Avis in 2007 on the web development team and have been involved in the website ever since. I now work in the Marketing Department but am still focused on the website and trying to make it as easy to use as possible. I joined Avis because of my love of cars and driving, and have made full use of the rental fleet to drive a wide selection of cars for holidays in Europe and the USA. Before Avis I worked for an ecommerce agency writing online shops for a number of high street names.

What car would you be and why?!
I would be an Audi RS6. Most of the time I’m sensible and useful, but when once I get going you can’t stop me!

Why we love to blog

At Avis, we really do try harder. We pioneered blogging in the car rental world and we aim to make our blog much more than just an information source. You can use our blog to ask questions or tell us what’s important to you when you hire a car. We try harder because we care what you think, so we really do value your feedback.

New to car rentals? Our blog gives you tips and advice on getting the most out of your Avis car hire experience. You can find information about booking and hiring your car, safety tips, and eco driving. We also provide driving advice and the latest news about our fleet.

We understand that hiring a car is just one part of your trip, so our blog covers other aspects of holiday and business travel too. Whether you want to know more about business travel hire conditions, access to location and city guides or ideas for families travelling with children, it’s all here.